Been struggling to find an upholsterer to make a tonneau cover for the car. Most are not interested in one off’s and others are just plain unreliable.
Considering having a go myself. Anyone made their own covers and any advice guidance etc for a total novice?
Brockwell's of Kings Lynn https://www.yell.com/biz/brockwell-s-king-s-lynn-1365373/ were highly reccommmended by this chap on the Mad
About Kit Cars Forum.
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3113&highlight=tonneau&page=76
I don't know where you live, but if there are any boat yards nearby then they'll know of a local company that makes boat covers. They are usually made out of material that would be very suitable for a tonneau cover, and will probably be made to a very high standard. All the manufacturing processes are identical, as are the materials.
Have a go at making your own. We’ve just made some half doors and that was sewn on a normal sewing machine without much trouble.
Made a simple surrey top in the past and now starting working a cover for it when it’s parked
quote:
Originally posted by swanny
Have a go at making your own. We’ve just made some half doors and that was sewn on a normal sewing machine without much trouble.
Made a simple surrey top in the past and now starting working a cover for it when it’s parked
Made mine myself. Boot cover is separate, based on one from MG Midget, then full tonneau made from boot to windscreen, It's got 3 full length
zips, one down the middle and one down each side so can be driven with just the driver's side open and the side panel still clipped on - quite
cozy in winter. Look on Woolies site https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/ for zips, fabric, thread fasteners etc.
My wife sewed it with a domestic machine which coped okish.
If sewing on a domestic sewing machine try a layer of grease proof paper over the material and sew through it , it makes it easier to sew somehow.
we used a couple of different fabrics. I think we bought some lightweight rip-stop sail material for the old roof.
my half doors have been made out of an old dolomite sprint vinyl roof that the previous owner had bought but darn't fit onto the dolomite.
the edges were foded over and hemmed.
Quite easy to do if you use Mohair or Duck - Much more difficult with vinyl
Thanks for the reply’s, probably go for everflex and speak to the guys at Martrim on thread gauge, binding and zips. Just need to work out how to sew it together.
quote:
Originally posted by B33fy
Thanks for the reply’s, probably go for everflex and speak to the guys at Martrim on thread gauge, binding and zips. Just need to work out how to sew it together.
Everflex is £18 metre, double duck £42 metre and Mohair is £54 a metre. Probably explains the cost. There is a carbon look pvc not sure how that fairs up though I’ve seen it in the flesh so to speak and it does look good.. The cost is £30 a metre. Don’t know how well it sews as it’s twice as thick as anything else on offer.
quote:
Originally posted by B33fy
Everflex is £18 metre, double duck £42 metre and Mohair is £54 a metre. Probably explains the cost. There is a carbon look pvc not sure how that fairs up though I’ve seen it in the flesh so to speak and it does look good.. The cost is £30 a metre. Don’t know how well it sews as it’s twice as thick as anything else on offer.
Hey mate, you really could make your own tonneau cover with a sewing machine, just need to buy enough covering material. I suggest using vinyl
fabric since I found it the most durable and tough enough for that purpose. Also, sewing machines
from this guide looks suitable enough because they cover a wide range of the
materials which they are able to process! I hope it helps!
I would be glad to hear what other users could suggest as material for creation.
[Edited on 16/9/19 by preparation]
Is there any tips as I will be tackling this job in the next month or two
I reworked my seats and learnt loads by watching this guy.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_8PUaXqvjSq3p1lYouXzQ
I think everflex will be an problem if your using a domestic machine....